Wrist Injury Forces James Toseland’s Retirement from Racing

James Toseland, two times World Superbike Champion and flag-bearer of the BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team, first injured his wrist during a private test at the Aragon circuit last March. The extent of the injury was originally misdiagnosed in Spain but after a quick flight home and operation in the UK it was thought that he would quickly return to full fitness. After two unsuccessful attempts to return to the track, however, James found it was necessary to take more time to recuperate after the Silverstone WSBK races.

During bad weather conditions, the Englishman suffered another fall at the Nurburgring race last weekend. James consulted with his doctor and found the damage to his wrist is severely restricting his range of movement, making it difficult to operate a motorcycle throttle properly and almost impossible to navigate right hand turns. Toseland also emphasized that from a safety point of view his condition could be dangerous for other riders on the track as well as himself.

With this prognosis, and on the advice of his doctor, James, with BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team, announced his immediate retirement.

Andrea Buzzoni, Project Director of BMW Motorrad Italia Superbike Team and Director of BMW Motorrad Italia, declared, “I’m personally very sorry about James’ retirement. I had the opportunity to meet James this year and get to know him and I appreciated his professionalism and especially his human qualities in such a difficult year. I want to thank James for his conduct, his likeable and open personality and his kindness and professionalism. In racing there are lots of fast riders, but James joins together rider talent and a great humanity. He’s an excellent rider, a champion and a very good and positive person. Thank you James!”

James Toseland racing on the BMW S1000RR at the Nurburgring.

James added, “2011 has been a tough year for me and this week has been one of the most difficult of my life, but advice from professionals has made it clear that my crash at Aragon has left me with a permanent disability, which means that I will never again be able to ride competently at this level.

“While that’s hard to hear, I have to place the emphasis on the safety of other riders in the paddock as well as myself and I realize that it’s not fair to occupy a World Superbike seat with a team as professional as BMW Motorrad Italia when there are fit and talented riders available who are desperate for this type of opportunity.”